How to Price a Room Addition

Construction and remodeling can have some hidden costs.

If you want to increase the size and value of your home, a room addition might be a viable option. It would be difficult to know exactly how much adding a room to your house would cost. There are many variables to remodeling and construction. However, a fair estimate is certainly possible. With some proper planning and a little research, you will have a decent idea of the price of the room addition.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. List your goals. Determine what type of room you want to build. This will greatly affect the price of the room addition. A room that requires hardware, such as a bathroom, may cost more that a room that only needs furnishing, such as a den.

2. Sketch out the room on a piece of graph paper or use a software program to create a virtual room. This will give you a handle on what styling and accessories you want. For instance, will the room have windows, and if so, how many? Are you planning on a tile floor or carpeting? You need to have an idea of the aspects of your new room before you can attach an estimate.

3. Work out a size estimate for the room. The size of your new room is an important element is determining the cost. A half bath is likely to be much smaller---and therefore less expensive---than a playroom. Measure any furniture you plan to add to the room. This will give you an understanding of the space needed to lay out the furniture. If you are buying new pieces for the room, take a measuring tape with you when you shop for the furniture. Understanding the basic size requirements of the room will help when estimating the cost of supplies.

4. Get an estimate from a reliable construction company or remolding firm. Even if you decide to do the job yourself, a detailed estimate will alert you to any hidden costs, such as trash disposal fees, and help you understand the amount of time and work involved in the project. You may pay a fee for the estimate, but the information could actually save you money.

5. Shop around for supplies. Do-it-yourselfers need to cover all the local supply stores for the best deals. Sit down with someone at the home improvement store. Show them your design specifications. There may be a discount for bulk purchases. You can also get some good advice on how to build the best room possible on your budget. Once you know what you need and how much each piece will cost, total up the supply estimate.

6. Add it all up on one sheet of paper. Make a list of all the information you have accumulated, such as supply estimates and permit fees. Come up with a grand total for the price of your new room. Add on some additional funds for anything you might have missed. This should be a good guess on the price of your room addition.

Tips & Warnings

• Research estimates based on the type room you want. Costhelper.com offers basic costs of a number of rooms. For example, this site states a bathroom that utilizes existing floor space will cost between $3,000 and $6,000. A master bath with upgraded hardware, such as a spa, can cost up to $25,000.

References

• Costhelper.com: How Much Does a Home Addition Cost?
• Simply Additions: Home Addition Estimate Tips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Better Homes and Gardens: Remodeling within the Law